Outdoor Play Structure Fastening Plate Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor play structure fixing systems require expensive and restrictive installation methods, such as cement mixers, and are difficult to repair or replace due to their integration with concrete.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system for outdoor playground structures that includes a plate inserted into a hole dug in the ground, covered with loose filling material, which prevents tilting by distributing the weight of the filling material to stabilize the structure, eliminating the need for concrete and specific installation tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing lugs are fixed to support feet and sealed in concrete to prevent tilting, then the outdoor play structure achieves stable anchoring, but the installation requires expensive and restrictive equipment such as cement mixers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the anchoring function from the concrete sealing process. Instead of requiring concrete to seal lugs to the ground, the system uses a plate inserted into a hole that is then filled with loose material. The anchoring is achieved by the plate's geometry and the filling material's weight, separating the anchoring mechanism from the concrete pouring process and eliminating the need for cement mixers and specialized installation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the filling material from liquid concrete to loose solid material (such as soil, gravel, or sand). This parameter change allows the material to be easily placed and compacted without requiring mixing equipment, while still achieving sufficient weight and stability to prevent structure tilting. The loose material can be readily available on-site, further simplifying installation.
2Reliability
If sealing lugs are integrated with concrete pads, then the outdoor play structure achieves firm ground fixation, but replacement and repair become difficult and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the anchoring system into separate components: the plate remains embedded in the ground while the support feet and structure above can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the anchoring element to stay permanently installed in the hole, while damaged structure components can be detached from the plate and replaced without disturbing the ground fixation, greatly facilitating maintenance and repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamic anchoring system where the connection between the plate and support feet can be adjusted or modified as needed. The plate provides a stable base in the ground, while the upper connection points can be adapted, relocated, or replaced independently, allowing the structure to evolve and be maintained over time without permanent concrete encasement limitations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If concrete pads are used to fix the gantry to the ground, then the outdoor play structure achieves resistance to tilting, but the installation process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the anchoring system to be self-installed using readily available materials and simple tools. The plate is inserted into a hole that is then filled with loose material that can be obtained from the excavation itself or local sources. The weight and distribution of this filling material provide the anti-tilting stability without requiring concrete mixing, pouring, and curing processes, dramatically reducing installation time and eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system simplifies and cost-reduces installation and maintenance by using readily available filling materials like earth, reducing waste and avoiding the need for specialized tools, while ensuring structural stability and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
the mass of the filling material covering the plate of the fastening system prevents the tilting of the outdoor play structure substructure
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening system (12) for an outdoor play structure (10), the outdoor play structure comprising a substructure (11) having at least one support foot (16) intended to be placed on a ground (100), the fastening system being configured to be fixed to the support foot and comprising a plate (19) intended to be inserted into a hole (101) dug in the ground globally along a vertical direction (Z), the plate being arranged globally perpendicular to the vertical direction and configured to be disposed at a distance from the support foot along the vertical direction, when the fastening system is fixed to the support foot.